Rob currently works as a Mechanical Engineer for Davey Water Products.

He holds a BE (Engineering) in Mechanical Engineering.

1. When you were 7 years old you wanted to be... an Engineer. 

2. Name of the educational institution(s) you graduated from
Auckland University

3. Why did you choose your major(s) or specialisation?
I chose Mechanical Engineering as I like the idea of designing "real world" things.

4. How did you find your first job?
Asked friends and family and applied for heaps of jobs advertised on sites like this one.

5. Describe the interview process you went through to obtain your first position after graduating
For my first job I didn't really have an interview. I simply turned up and the boss asked if I could start working that day!

6. What training was made available to you by your employer in your first role?
I worked with the boss a lot of the time so I could always ask for help if I didn't understand something. He also sent me on a CAD (Computer-aided Design) training course.

7. Describe some of the roles you have held since your graduate level position 
I work at Davey Water Products (formally Davey Pumps) as a Mechanical/Design Engineer. I've also worked as a Consulting Engineer.  Currently I'm working on a few projects for Davey, as well as Monarch, a subsidiary company. I'm working on a water switch for Davey that controls the flow of rain water and mains water that is used in non-drinking water applications. This device allows rain water to be used in washing machines, toilet cisterns as well as enable rain water to be used for watering the garden. More information about the 'Rainbank' can be found at www.davey.com.au.
For Monarch, I'm designing a 'Chloromatic' which controls the chlorination of swimming pools.

I have traveled around Australia as well as been to China through my job. I really enjoy working at Davey as one can learn and be creative every day.

8. Have you found your degree useful in your working career? Why (or why not)?
Definitely, my degree was specifically relevant to my chosen career and I couldn't have gotten the positions I have held without it.

9. What are your plans for the next 5 years?
I'll be off to UK or the USA in 2009 to get more experience.

10. What advice would you give an upcoming graduate looking to kick off a successful career?
You should just work in your specialty field for the first couple of years to consolidate your knowledge and get your foot in the door. Once you have a solid 'base' of study and a few years experience, you can always take a break and do something else ie. skiing instructor, or branch out into other related disciplines, and then come back to your specialty.  Give yourself freedom to do what you want!